Christmas Album

[Marco]

Can someone recommend an in print jazz and/or blues Christmas album? I would prefer an older classic jazz/blues album.
Thank you.

[clifton]

Duke Ellington's "Three Suites", on Columbia, includes his wonderful version of "The Nutcracker". "Crescent City Christmas Card", by Wynton Marsalis, is pretty good but not in the same league as Duke.

[Marco]

clifton,
thanks for the suggestions. i'd lean toward the duke.
i'd also like to get a jazz compilation of xmas songs. any ideas? thanks

[PiousBionicus]

A perfect one would be "An Oscar Peterson Christmas". A selection of christmas songs played by the jazz sensation, Oscar Peterson. Perfect!

[Marco]

pious,
thanks man, i just ordered it last nite!
he's one of the best pianists bar none.
i 've only heard him live once.
turn it up!

[jazzypaul]

There are a couple of compilations that are pretty solid...

1) WB Jazz Christmas Party. tasty. and the Michael Franks song is one of the best cynical statements about the holidays ever.

2) Yule Be Boppin'. fun holiday diversion to be had by all

call up Chess and get them to put the two Ramsey Lewis Christmas albums back in print. Remember when Ramsey played trio with Redd Holt and Eldee Young? That's my Christmas wish...those three in my living room playing Old Devil Moon.

[Marco]

jazzypauls,
thanks for your help. i almost bought both of your suggestions. i went with ray charles, a compilation on concord, rosemary clooney and oscar peterson. ramsey lewis would be fine with me too. old devil moon swings like hell!
i work part time in a wine store and they want me to bring in some music. the xmas music they have sounds like morgue music.

[GA Russell]

I can recommend the Vince Guaraldi (Charlie Brown Christmas) album and Jimmy Smith's Christmas album.

[GA Russell]

I forgot to mention a great one - Joe Pass's Six String Santa!

[Marco]

GA,
thanks. i've got the vince guarldi. i'll have to check the others out. jimmy smith & joe pass i dig very much too.